In the summer of 2005, a builder removed decades of thick vegetation and exposed the 1920s era stone and concrete castle on Commerce Avenue as the first step in clearing the property for some cookie-cutter stucco box homes. Local historian Mary Lou Pozzo sprang into action and contacted preservationists and city officials. Neighbors, fearful that irreplaceable architectural details would be sent to the dump, liberated some items for preservation.

Los Angeles allows any interested party to recommend a property for a Historic Landmark and Pozzo, along with Bolton Hall's Little Landers Society, started the process despite the owner-at-the-time's objections. The castle is now a Los Angeles Landmark.

The builder lacked demolition permits and with much publicity and neighborhood action, destruction was delayed long enough for Malouf to hear of the castle. He'd restored vintage stone homes in the Stonehurst section of Sunland-Tujunga but this was a unique, two-story, replica of a sixteenth century European castle. He was able to purchase the portion of the property with Weatherwolde although some out buildings had already been destroyed.

Once it was known the castle was being saved, much of the original material found its way home. Malouf has been able to locate other items and negotiate their return. The main element still missing is the 40-inch copper finial that was removed from the peak of the castle's tower.

During the restoration process, which is continuing, Malouf removed an interior, non-structural wall and found clues that a concrete floor existed under the more modern hardwood floor. He was able to contact former residents and confirm that a scored concrete floor was originally built. Using 'how to' books from the castle's construction era, he has been able to polish the exposed floor with appropriate materials to bring back it's original glory. It's a truly unique feature that adds to the home's warmth.

Hannegan, on the other hand, was able to purchase her home from Tom Bonetto, the son of the couple who built it to move into after their marriage. She was able to buy much of the original furniture Florence Bonetto, who designed her dream home, had in the house. Hannegan had the 1940s era stove refurbished and uses it in the kitchen repainted in original colors.

Hannegan shared the Bonetto's wedding photo with the group. She told the group of mentioning to Tom Bonetto that she wanted to restore the home to it's original condition and was delighted to hear all the interior doors, which had been removed to widen the doorways to accommodate the wheelchair Florence used in her last few years in the house, were still in the garage. They have subsequently been replaced inside, including their original glass doorknobs.

The Bonetto House was featured on the Historical Society of Crescenta Valley's first home tour last October and was very popular with the visitors.

Miller bought his West Adams district home four years ago. It had been a board and care facility in an area where many of the old homes are being torn down. The home has been featured on If These Walls Could Talk and Miller emphasized that it's very important to find a contractor who understands historic homes when doing restorations. He also noted that home owners need to be educated about the value of vintage fittings and materials. Often, original wood is not available and an old bathtub may be far superior to anything currently available.

Miller noted that he was pleased the board and care facility owner didn't have a lot of extra cash so was unable to do any major restructuring of the home. He remarked it's good to find old homes in less affluent areas since those homes are less likely to have been upgraded every few years, destroying their character.

All three panelists have Mills Act contracts allowing for property tax relief on Historic Landmark buildings. They agreed the California statute, whose purpose is to free up funds that would normally be spent on property tax for use in maintaining these vintage structures, is an important help. The twenty some members attending the meeting offered questions and shared their home restoration stories with the panel.

Next month's meeting, Feb. 26, will feature Glendale's arborist, William McKinley, discussing state and local protections for native trees. Join us at the Montrose Library, 2465 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, from 6 to 8 pm. See CVHeritage.org for more information.